The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks comments on a draft statement of work for an environmental and social impact assessment of Pakistan's proposed 4,500-MW Diamer Bhasha hydroelectric project on the Indus River. Responses are due May 5.

Pakistan recruited firms in 2009for design, construction supervision, and contract administration of Diamer Bhasha, which includes a 272-meter-tall roller-compacted-concrete dam, two diversion tunnels, two underground powerhouses of 2,250 MW each, a permanent access bridge, and hydro-mechanical and steel structural equipment. It also took bids last year to build the 3.6-MW Thor hydroelectric plantto power the colony that is to build Diamer Bhasha.

USAID/Pakistan now requests comments on a draft statement of work for a proposed environmental and social impact assessment to be conducted in partnership with the government of Pakistan. The assessment is to address the environmental, socio-economic and cultural situation at the project site and identify potential significant adverse environmental and social impacts including the project's impact on the entire river cascade and surrounding areas.